Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a Home?

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Buying a home is a major investment, and it comes with a lot of variables. From finding the right neighborhood to determining how much home your budget allows, it is a complicated task. Because of the difficulties involved, many prospective homebuyers decide to work with a full-service realtor. However, if you decide to go on this venture by yourself, here are the top things you’ll want to know before you buy a home without a realtor. 

 

Consider These 5 Things Before Buying a Home Without a Realtor:

Forbes shared 5 times to consider buying a home without a realtor:

1. You’re Related to the Seller

You might be able to avoid hiring a real estate agent if you’re selling a home within your family. In that case, as long as you’ve agreed on a price and other important transaction details, you’ll probably be able to handle it without the seller paying thousands of dollars in commission. Regardless, consult a lawyer to conduct a title search on the property and ensure that all paperwork is properly filled out, reviewed, and filed.

 

2. You Know the Area

When you’re buying a home in a neighborhood you know well, you might not think it’s necessary to hire a buyer’s agent. However, a real estate agent can provide more information than just market knowledge, such as assisting you in finding the right home and negotiating with the seller’s agent.

 

3. You Can Save Money

In rare circumstances, a buyer may be required to pay all or part of a buyer’s agent’s commission. Someone selling a home on their own, for example, might state in their listing that they will not negotiate fees with a buyer’s agent. In this case, instead of hiring an agent, you might decide it’s worthwhile to try to work directly with the seller.

 

4. You Get to Work Alone

Even though they are legally required to represent your interests, you may be wary of dealing with a buyer’s agent. If you believe an agent would rush you into a deal or match you with the wrong house, you might feel more at ease handling it yourself.

When dealing with the seller’s agent, you’ll want to make sure you’re not overmatched. Think of it like negotiating a divorce settlement with just the counsel and expertise of the other party’s lawyer—it might not go well for you.

 

5. You’re Buying a New Home

If you’re only interested in buying a newly constructed home, you might be able to work out a deal with the builder directly. According to the NAR survey, about 6% of buyers worked with a builder or builder’s agent to purchase a home in 2020.

 

real estate agent helping someone with paperwork

 

The Benefits of Working With a Realtor

The best tip for buying a home is not to do it alone. Realtors can assist you with every aspect of shopping for a home. From researching the market to representing you throughout sale negotiations, a realtor’s ultimate job is to provide you with peace of mind. When working with a realtor, they can help you find the home that meets your budget and your lifestyle. Additionally, real estate agents speed up the process of buying a home because their knowledge and experience help them be more efficient throughout the entire process. This means you will save both time and money and have the peace of mind in knowing all the details are being handled by a professional.

Are you interested in learning more benefits of working with a realtor? 

Connect with a Local Expert

The post Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a Home? appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves Lists

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Finding your dream home may not be easy, but there are things you can do to make it easier, like creating a “Must-Haves” list and a “Nice-To-Haves” list. These lists allow serious home buyers to save time, energy, and ultimately, money as they prepare to buy a home.

A Must-Have List is exactly what it sounds like, a checklist of the details that are non-negotiable for your new home. It’s essential to sit down and think about the things you need in order to feel comfortable there for the next 7-13 years.

Your “Nice-To-Haves” list is a checklist of details that you’d like to have, but you can live without. This list is great for those things that you’ve always dreamed of but may be out of reach for reasons such as your budget or location. This list may include things like fireplaces or gas appliances, a pool, or other non-essential items.

Your “Must-Haves” list focuses your search and helps your agent narrow down which homes are worth your time. Your “Nice-to-Haves” list will help you determine what you’re willing to sacrifice, which will ultimately solidify your must-haves.

These lists can also help manage your expectations regarding price. Take your lists to your real estate agent, along with your pre-approval from a lender, and you’ll be able to work together to determine what is a reasonable ask within your budget and your desired location.

Creating Your “Must-Haves” List

The first step is to think about the essentials. If things like location and number of bedrooms and bathrooms are a priority, then you’ll want to include them in your must-haves. Consider where you live now and use that as a starting point; what do you love and what are you missing? You may need more storage space, or an extra room to work remote, or a larger backyard for the newest member of the family.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you build your “Must-Haves” list:

  • Where do you want to live? (Be as specific as you can.)
  • What do you have now that you can’t live without?
  • What are you missing now that you may need for the next several years?

If you’re struggling to determine what it is you need to have, you can start working on your “Nice-To-Haves” list. This can also help you determine what is essential. For example, it may be nice to have five bedrooms when in reality, a three-bedroom house with a flex space that works for an office or guest room would do the trick.

Creating your “Nice-To-Haves” List

While you’re working on your “Nice-To-Haves” list, you’ll be thinking about the parts of a home that would be great to have but aren’t as important for you. You might also want to take into consideration what is reasonable in your area and if it’s a common amenity.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you build your “Nice-To-Haves” list:

  • What home upgrades are you willing to make?
  • What is something you’d like to do in your house more often?
  • What do you have in your current home that you love, but don’t need?

Searching for Your Next Home

These lists will help guide you and your real estate agent as you search for your next home. During this process you might realize some aspects aren’t as important to you as you thought, and vice versa. Keep your agent in the loop as you update your lists so they can continue to search for the perfect home for you.

Looking for a real estate agent who can help guide you through the home buying process? Connect with an Agent:

 

The post Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves Lists appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves Lists

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Finding your dream home may not be easy, but there are things you can do to make it easier, like creating a “Must-Haves” list and a “Nice-To-Haves” list. These lists allow serious home buyers to save time, energy, and ultimately, money as they prepare to buy a home.

A Must-Have List is exactly what it sounds like, a checklist of the details that are non-negotiable for your new home. It’s essential to sit down and think about the things you need in order to feel comfortable there for the next 7-13 years.

Your “Nice-To-Haves” list is a checklist of details that you’d like to have, but you can live without. This list is great for those things that you’ve always dreamed of but may be out of reach for reasons such as your budget or location. This list may include things like fireplaces or gas appliances, a pool, or other non-essential items.

Your “Must-Haves” list focuses your search and helps your agent narrow down which homes are worth your time. Your “Nice-to-Haves” list will help you determine what you’re willing to sacrifice, which will ultimately solidify your must-haves.

These lists can also help manage your expectations regarding price. Take your lists to your real estate agent, along with your pre-approval from a lender, and you’ll be able to work together to determine what is a reasonable ask within your budget and your desired location.

Creating Your “Must-Haves” List

The first step is to think about the essentials. If things like location and number of bedrooms and bathrooms are a priority, then you’ll want to include them in your must-haves. Consider where you live now and use that as a starting point; what do you love and what are you missing? You may need more storage space, or an extra room to work remote, or a larger backyard for the newest member of the family.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you build your “Must-Haves” list:

  • Where do you want to live? (Be as specific as you can.)
  • What do you have now that you can’t live without?
  • What are you missing now that you may need for the next several years?

If you’re struggling to determine what it is you need to have, you can start working on your “Nice-To-Haves” list. This can also help you determine what is essential. For example, it may be nice to have five bedrooms when in reality, a three-bedroom house with a flex space that works for an office or guest room would do the trick.

Creating your “Nice-To-Haves” List

While you’re working on your “Nice-To-Haves” list, you’ll be thinking about the parts of a home that would be great to have but aren’t as important for you. You might also want to take into consideration what is reasonable in your area and if it’s a common amenity.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you build your “Nice-To-Haves” list:

  • What home upgrades are you willing to make?
  • What is something you’d like to do in your house more often?
  • What do you have in your current home that you love, but don’t need?

Searching for Your Next Home

These lists will help guide you and your real estate agent as you search for your next home. During this process you might realize some aspects aren’t as important to you as you thought, and vice versa. Keep your agent in the loop as you update your lists so they can continue to search for the perfect home for you.

Looking for a real estate agent who can help guide you through the home buying process? Connect with an Agent:

 

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Simple Tips to Make Your Move Easier

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Your needs as a homeowner change over time, and you need the right home to fit those needs. Accordingly, it’s highly likely that at some point in your future you will experience another moving day. While moving can be challenging, there are resources to make it easier. If you are remaining in your current area, your Windermere agent can continue to be a valuable resource on communities, schools, utilities, transportation, recreational opportunities, and more.

If you are moving out of the area, your agent can help you with a referral to another reputable agent in your new community. Many agents also have relationships with real estate-related service companies in their area whom they can call upon for information regarding title, escrow, mortgages, temporary housing, and moving services. They can also help guide you in your search as you learn more about new communities and relocation services.

You’ve decided to move. Now what?

Once you have reached your decision, it’s time to gather information, start making decisions and get organized. Begin by creating a “move” file to keep track of your estimates, receipts, and other information. If you’re moving for a job, some expenses may be deductible, so you’ll want the paperwork when tax time comes.

If you are moving out of the area, start researching your new community and ask your agent for help in finding a referral agent in your new area. You’ll also want to determine whether you want to rent first or buy immediately. Your new agent should be able to help you with your decision. Once you know where you’re going, you’re also ready to get estimates from moving companies.

Closing one door, opening another

After you have chosen a moving date and either hired a moving company or reserved a rental truck, it’s time to wrap things up in your old neighborhood and start establishing relationships where your new home is located. This is particularly important if you are moving to a new town/city. You may want to ask your current doctors, dentists, etc. if they have any referrals on care providers in your new location. Be sure to check their recommendations on your insurance company’s online provider search list. Once you arrive, you may also want to ask new coworkers, friends or the school nurse for their recommendations.

Contact your children’s school and/or day care and arrange for their records to be sent to their new school district or day care. Call your insurance agent about coverage en route to your new home and also arrange for insurance in your new home. Remember to contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or end service in your current home and turn on service in your new home.

You’ll want to file a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service, either online or at your local office. If you don’t know your new address, have them hold your mail at the post office in your new locale. Don’t forget to cancel or transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions as well.

If you belong to a health club or other association, contact them about ending or transferring your membership. Some clubs require written notice before cancellation. Finally, contact your bank or credit union to transfer or close accounts; if you have a safe-deposit box, don’t forget to clean it out before you leave.

Starting the countdown

With moving day in sight, it’s time to get organized. Here are a few items to check off your list before you start packing:

  • Tie up loose ends. Be sure to send out an email or change of address cards with your new contact information to family, friends, and associates. Return library books and any other borrowed items you may still have.
  • Triage your possessions. Determine what you are taking with you; what you are giving away to friends, family, or a favorite charity; and what is going to the dump or recycling center.  If you have time, you can hold a garage sale or post items on craigslist.org or ebay.com.
  • Clean up. Drain all gas and oil from your mower, other machinery, gas grills, kerosene stoves and lamps, etc., before loading them onto a moving truck. Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before your move, and prepare other appliances for moving as well.
  • Have your car serviced. This is especially important if you are driving to your new home.

Packing strategies

If you are doing your own packing, start collecting boxes and/or buy them from your movers. It may take a few days to do your packing, so be sure to pack non-essential items first and label them carefully. If you have any valuables, it’s recommended that you take them with you as opposed to packing them. You risk the chance of losing those items if they’re packed away in boxes. It’s also smart to take along a box of essentials, including items such as toilet paper, paper towels, tape, soap, scissors, pens, paper, and your toiletries. That way you won’t have to track these items down once you’ve arrived in your new home.

For more information on how to make your move easier, visit our Moving Tips page here: How can I make moving easier? 

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New Listings Week of November 14th

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2576 Trio Falls Drive, Loveland, CO 80538

Listing Agent: Kelly Swift

MLS 955106

You can be in by Christmas! This move-in ready 2 bed/2 bath ranch style home features an open, bright floor plan. Enjoy the fully upgraded kitchen w/granite, SS appliances, 42″ cabinets, soft close drawers & pull outs throughout. Fantastic cork floors, newer lighter fixtures, custom shades and upgraded baths (primary w/heated floor!). Wonderful community with a pool, modern clubhouse, park, lakes for fishing and kayaking and a 4- mile trail! Easy access to I-25, HWY 34, hospital, restaurants, schools, & shopping. With main level living, and a 2 car attached garage this home was built for both comfort and entertainment. The HOA covers all exterior maintenance, snow removal, landscaping, paint, roof and lawn maintenance. Beautiful and bright home w/loads of natural light that would fit well as a primary home, vacation home or investment property! Call (970) 310-4876 to schedule your private showing or click here for more information.

 

7011 W 11th Street Road, Greeley, CO 80634

Listing Agent: Rondi duPont

MLS 955102

Looking for a home with some elbow room? This 2 story home is situated on a half an acre with NO HOA in West Greeley. The 4 bedroom 4 bathroom home boasts an inviting living area with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, a separate dining room and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The walkout basement is finished to give additional space to spread out in the home. But wait, there is more! The property has a 35×24 HEATED Workshop and 8ft garage door. Bring your RV and Camper! The entire property is fenced with a beautiful wood privacy fence. There is a romantic gazebo to enjoy the large back yard and an additional shed and chicken coop. This home has so much to offer. Don’t miss seeing it! Call (970) 401-0123 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

 

880 E State Highway 56, Berthoud

Listing Agent: Katie Robinson

MLS 955058

Spectacular, completely fenced horse property sitting on almost 5 acres. Wonderful views of Longs Peak and Front Range in a quiet location close to downtown Berthoud & I-25. For all those horse lovers: 3-stall Cleary Barn & working horse arena w/ 2 acre grazing pasture. This freshly painted home features hardwood floors, rich wood trim, gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, Corian countertops, glass cooktop, wall oven, double sink, SS refrigerator, & large island that opens to comfortable family room with gas fireplace. West side of the home is designed to take in the views from all rooms. Living room & primary bedroom have large bay windows with seating areas. Large veranda to enjoy sunsets & warm evenings. Fully finished basement w/ large game room, wet bar, media room & a guest suite. Great for entertaining indoors or out! Greenhouse & beautiful outdoor living space with brand new pergola to the east. Ditch rights included to lease water with potential of 250 bales of hay per year. Call (970) 430-9630 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

 

881 Village Drive, Milliken, CO 80534

Listing agent: Alexis Foster

MLS 955393

Come see this stunning, better than new, 2-story home. 881 Village Drive, Milliken has so much to offer including its amazing location across the street from the neighborhood school and open space. Recent updates include; water heater, all new interior paint throughout the home, mudroom remodel, additional electrical outlets in the garage including 220-volt wiring for a future garage heater/ac unit, garage insulation, and drywall, new light fixtures throughout the home, main floor bath remodel and new Stainless Fridge and Dishwasher in the kitchen just to name a few. Fully landscaped and fenced yard with a huge patio, perfect for summer BBQs. Full unfinished basement with bathroom roughed-in provides room to expand. This home is conveniently located for commuters, just minutes from I-25, Hwy 257 and Hwy 85. Additional amenities include a community pool, park, and recreational center. Call (970) 310-6999 to schedule a showing for this pristine home or click here for more information.

 

2708 Stonehaven Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525

Listing Agent: Jon Holsten

MLS 955451

Fantastic four-bedroom home in the coveted English Ranch neighborhood! Boasting a wide-open floor plan with high vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light, your new home also features a large kitchen with lots of counter space and plenty of storage along with a separate dining area and living room with gas fireplace. Sprawling main level primary suite with 5 pc bath and large walk-in closet. Upstairs, you’ll find a loft, two additional bedrooms and a bath. Enjoy more elbow room in the finished basement with an oversized fourth bedroom, large rec area, bath and ample storage. Relax or entertain on the large outside deck overlooking the low-maintenance back yard. Three-car garage. Excellent location with paved walking trail to nearby schools, shopping and restaurants. Quick access to I-25. An incredible home and terrific value! Call (970) 237-2752 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

 

700 Frontier Court, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Listing Agent: Jon Holsten

MLS 955457

Beautiful four-bedroom ranch-style home at the end of a cul-de-sac in central Fort Collins! Your new home sits on a huge lot and boasts updates throughout. From the great kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage — to the family room with fireplace, separate living room and remodeled main bath — this home is move-in ready! Large primary suite with full bath and two additional bedrooms on the main level. In the finished basement, you’ll find a large rec area, additional bedroom with private bath, and an office/non-conforming fifth bedroom. New exterior paint — and new interior paint through most of the home. Relax or entertain on the front deck or in the incredible back yard with mature landscaping and large trees. Tire swing included! Close to schools, shopping, restaurants and everything this great community has to offer. An excellent home and incredible value! NO HOA! Call (970) 237-2752 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

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The Evolution of the Home Office

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As the popularity of remote work has reached new heights in recent years, the needs of homeowners are changing. Home offices and workspaces have never been higher on buyers’ priority lists and sellers are finding ways to make their homes appeal to a remote working audience. So, what does this mean for the home office moving forward? How will it continue to evolve? Only time will tell. In the meantime, it’s more important than ever to curate a home office that fits your needs.

The Evolution of the Home Office

Whether you have a proper home office or work at a chair in your kitchen nook, what’s important is that you create a dedicated space for your work. This allows you to focus by limiting distractions that may arise from other areas of the house. It also brings a sense of work-life balance to your home by physically separating the spaces. Even if your space is limited, design your workspace to feel like its own designated spot by facing it away from an open room or pointing your workstation toward a window.

Continued Remote Work

For those who have worked remotely and will continue to do so, you’ve likely gotten a grasp of how your home workspace can best fit your unique needs. Perhaps you decided to ditch the desk chair for a yoga ball or switched out that old desk lamp for a therapy light. But now that remote work has become your long-term reality, it’s time to think about how the space will fit your long-term needs.

Gone are the days of your home workspace being an afterthought. Working from home long-term means that your home office is now one of the most-used spaces in the house, so it’s important to keep it organized. Declutter the space with efficiency and productivity in mind, prioritizing the items that are essential for your job. We work well when we feel well, and an organized space can help reduce anxiety and work-related stress.

As your remote work continues, it may be time to make investments that you were previously on the fence about making. Whether it’s a second monitor, a supportive floor mat under your chair, a new design on your wall for your Zoom background, or a standing desk, now that you’ll be working from home for the foreseeable future, it’s important that your home office provides you with all the tools you’ll need while inspiring you to do your best work. 

Returning to In-Person Work

For those whose days of a fully remote work schedule are coming to an end, your home office needs will evolve, so it’s important that the space reflects those changes.

  • Full-Time: Returning to in-person work full-time means your home office will be vacant for extended periods of the day. Because you won’t be using it nearly as much, you have the freedom to either keep it as is or convert the room into something else. If you’ve dreamt of having a game room, a home gym, a playroom for the kids, or creating your version of a home theater, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
  • Part-Time / Hybrid / Flex: A hybrid or flex work schedule allows for flexibility with your home office. Paring down your workspace and transferring some equipment to your desk at work will help you declutter. Outfit both workspaces to fit your needs to avoid lugging equipment back and forth. For example, if one location is primarily meant for attending meetings and the other is for working on projects, you can curate each space accordingly.

 

For more information on how remote work can change your needs as a homeowner, read our blog on The Remote Worker’s Home Buying Process.

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Inventory Uptick

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We are noticing a trend that is very good news for buyers.

Inventory has been increasing over the last month which means that buyers now have more properties to consider.

Just in the last week, the number of homes for sale has increased:

13% in Larimer County

12% in Weld County

11% in Metro Denver

If you are a buyer who has been waiting for home properties to look at, now is the time!

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Want a house in Fort Collins? Grab $500,000, get in line and join the housing Hunger Games

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“Buying a house in Fort Collins these days can feel like a combat sport. Maybe more like the

‘Hunger Games.’ Or Charlie Brown and the football — every time you get close to the ball,

Lucy whisks it away…”

 

Pat Ferrier at the Fort Collins Coloradoan breaks down the housing market in Northern Colorado with the help real estate professionals across the front range. Click the link below to read on!

 

Fort Collins real estate_ Average home price near $500K in market

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Drastically Different

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Recently it seems there are many attempted comparisons being made between today’s real estate market and the 2006-2007 market.

It seems that people fear a repeat of what happened to the market in 2008 and 2009.

Buyers, understandably, want to make smart decisions and don’t want to buy in advance of any downturn.

The reality is this.  There are some similarities between now and the pre-bubble market of 15 years ago.  Namely, prices are appreciating quickly.

However, there is one massive difference.

The inventory of homes for sale right now is drastically different than 15 years ago.

The rules of economics tell us that, in order for prices to crash, demand needs to diminish, supply needs to swell, or some combination of the two.

Here’s the deal.  Supply today is a fraction of what is was 15 years ago.

Homes for sale today:

  • Larimer County = 238
  • Weld County = 226
  • Metro Denver = 2,594

Homes for sale 15 years ago:

  • Larimer County = 2,998
  • Weld County = 1,113
  • Metro Denver = 29,045

The reason why prices flattened and decreased slightly along the Front Range in 2009 is because the National economy had a meltdown and there was a glut of supply.

We do not have anything similar to those same dynamics today.

We are watching the market closely every single day.  While we don’t expect the current pace of appreciation to keep up, we believe inventory levels keep us insulated from any kind of crash.

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Record Highs

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While our temperatures felt like record lows this week, real estate prices have been hitting record highs along the Front Range.

 

Here is the average price for residential sales so far this year in each of our Front Range markets (includes both single-family and multi-family):

 

  • Fort Collins = $567,000
  • Loveland = $449,000
  • Windsor = $537,000
  • Greeley = $376,000
  • Metro Denver = $544,000

 

These prices are generally up 10% or more compared to last year.

 

If you are curious to know what your personal property is worth today, even if you aren’t considering moving any time soon, we are happy to do the research for you.  Just let us know!

hot

At Windermere Real Estate we are taking Social Distancing very seriously and are following our Safe Showings protocol.

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